Addison addresses the media. “Through counseling I have a better understanding what domestic abuse is.” Says teammates have been supportive and apologizes for “the hurt and the pain I have caused Melisa.” pic.twitter.com/Z0TBxxaY9z

Russell when asked about potential fan reax/backlash: "I'm learning how to cope with my feelings and emotions, to handle adversity when I face them. Through my process and through my treatment I feel really confident that this issue should not come up again."

Addison Russell: I believe the organization and the people within the organization, also my teammates, see something in me that wants to come out. They see that I am determined and 110 percent committed into making myself better.

There were multiple phrases Addison Russell repeated when he addressed the media. He thanked people for certain questions and often made direct eye contact. So naturally, he was asked how long he prepared for this moment. Hardly a direct answer (like most of them), but here it is pic.twitter.com/E8gHT54SBz

Addison Russell: "Just to have the support of the organization for myself, my family and Melisa speaks to this organization. I myself am happy to be here and my family thanks this organization for having me here and giving me a second chance."

Addison says “I am not proud of the person I once was.” He declines to get into specifics of his issues with domestic abuse and knows he’s not guaranteed anything from the Cubs. “I am fully committed to this process.”

Russell; “I’ve had time to reflect. Through counseling I’ve come to understand what domestic abuse really is. ... I want to own my actions. ... I’m sorry for the hurt that I caused Melissa and the pain I put her through ...”